Lucas Co. disabilities chief leaving to lead Summit Co. agency

John Trunk, superintendent of the Lucas County developmental disabilities board, has announced that he will resign to take the top position at the developmental disabilities agency in Summit County.

Mr. Trunk is leaving after almost 15 years with the county agency, including the last 12 years as superintendent. He was selected by the Summit County developmental disabilities board last week to replace the superintendent, who is retiring. He will start his new job on Dec. 1.

“This is a bittersweet moment for me. I enjoy my work here in Lucas County and was not seeking another position. But this is an excellent career opportunity that I could not pass up,” Mr. Trunk said.

Mr. Trunk, 55, a Chicago native, moved to Ohio in 1988. He was superintendent of the Williams County developmental disabilities board prior to taking the assistant director position in Lucas County in 1999.

Under Mr. Trunk’s leadership the county agency expanded its waiver services to maximize savings that reduced costs for adult day programs and increased community-based residential options for people with developmental disabilities.

“When I think about those things I think about expanding opportunities for people to ... socialize in the community. I like to think I had some role in creating a little more inclusive, welcoming community that allows people to live more independent lives,” Mr. Trunk said.

London Mitchell, spokesman for the county board, said board president Rod Standiford is working with the human resources director to conduct the search for Mr. Trunk’s replacement.

“We have an experienced leadership team in place and we will keep right on track with our mission statement with that strong team,” he said.

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